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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

NHTSA Compliance Required for AAPEX Exhibitors

NHTSA Compliance Required for AAPEX Exhibitors

NHTSA rules prohibit the importation of a non-compliant product without a permit. Specifically, Section 30112(a) of the Vehicle Safety Act prohibits the importation of non-compliant vehicles and equipment, which would include the HID conversion kits (See 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a)). Importers that are not certifying vehicle manufacturers must seek written authorization from NHTSA in order to import noncompliant vehicle parts and equipment.

Under 49 U.S.C. § 30114, an importer can apply for special exemption and authorization to import a non-compliant product for research, investigations, demonstrations, training, competitive racing events, show, or display. See 49 U.S.C. § 30114. The importer can obtain NHTSA authorization by submitting a “Box 7” form. See NAT’L HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN., DEP’T OF TRANSP., TEMPORARY IMPORTATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER BOX 7 OF THE HS-7 FORM, available at www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/racing/box7form.pdf [hereinafter “Box 7” form].

If you are an exhibitor who would fall under this category, you will need to supply the Box 7 form in order to import and display your noncompliant part.